Up for auction: Princess Diana's hand cast and never-before-seen photos of Queen Elizabeth in the army!
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Princess Diana is still very much in the public eye, 25 years after her untimely death. Truly, she was the people's princess…
Items belonging to the late Princess of Wales are always popular amongst collectors and fans alike, so it's no surprise that a life-size cast of her left hand - including her wedding band imprint - went under the hammer a few weeks ago.
Even though the exact price was never revealed, it was expected to sell for up to £40,000 (around $62,000 AUD!) in the auction.
The plaster cast of Diana's hand was made by renowned Croatian sculptor Oscar Nemon just before his death in 1985.
It measures 24cm long and formerly belonged to Nemon's assistant Karin Churchill - who was also its caster. The auction house said the piece was 'extremely rare and believed [to be] unique'.
James Grinter, the Managing Director at Reeman Dansie Auctions, called the cast a 'delicate beauty' with 'a wonderful presence'. And based on what we can see in the photos, we wholeheartedly agree!
Nemon had an impressive portfolio that included sculptures of other members of the British royal family such as the late Queen, Queen Mother, and even Prince Philip.
He was also granted a studio inside St James Palace in London where Diana's cast was made.
When he passed away in 1985, Nemon was primarily remembered for his portraits. His studio was discovered to be full of sketches and drawings, some of which were plans for untitled works or previously unseen painted reliefs. They are currently being preserved and restored.
Aside from a plaster cast of a royal hand, other royal memorabilia included in the auction were a few wartime snaps of a young Princess Elizabeth.
The never-before-seen photographs feature the monarch during her service in the Auxiliary Territorial Service (ATS) - the women's branch of the British Army during WWII.
Aside from group shots and images of the King and Queen visiting their daughter while she was serving, they also show Princess Elizabeth operating a truck with her vehicle instructor Major Violet Wellesley.
The late Queen's driving license also went under the hammer along with these items.
The War Department Driving Permit No.B1232 is named 'H.R.H. Princess Elizabeth' and on it, the royal was described as having blue eyes, standing at 5ft 4 inches high and having light brown hair.
It is dated March 1, 1945, and signed by the then-princess in ink, simply as 'Elizabeth'.
Members, what are your thoughts? If you had the means to purchase them, do you think these are things you would like to have in your home? Comment below and let us know what you think!
Items belonging to the late Princess of Wales are always popular amongst collectors and fans alike, so it's no surprise that a life-size cast of her left hand - including her wedding band imprint - went under the hammer a few weeks ago.
Even though the exact price was never revealed, it was expected to sell for up to £40,000 (around $62,000 AUD!) in the auction.
The details on the cast show Diana's wedding ring and the fine lines of her hand. Credit: Reeman Dansie.
The plaster cast of Diana's hand was made by renowned Croatian sculptor Oscar Nemon just before his death in 1985.
It measures 24cm long and formerly belonged to Nemon's assistant Karin Churchill - who was also its caster. The auction house said the piece was 'extremely rare and believed [to be] unique'.
James Grinter, the Managing Director at Reeman Dansie Auctions, called the cast a 'delicate beauty' with 'a wonderful presence'. And based on what we can see in the photos, we wholeheartedly agree!
Nemon had an impressive portfolio that included sculptures of other members of the British royal family such as the late Queen, Queen Mother, and even Prince Philip.
He was also granted a studio inside St James Palace in London where Diana's cast was made.
When he passed away in 1985, Nemon was primarily remembered for his portraits. His studio was discovered to be full of sketches and drawings, some of which were plans for untitled works or previously unseen painted reliefs. They are currently being preserved and restored.
Rare memorabilia of the late Queen has recently been put up for auction. Credit: Reeman Dansie.
Aside from a plaster cast of a royal hand, other royal memorabilia included in the auction were a few wartime snaps of a young Princess Elizabeth.
The never-before-seen photographs feature the monarch during her service in the Auxiliary Territorial Service (ATS) - the women's branch of the British Army during WWII.
Aside from group shots and images of the King and Queen visiting their daughter while she was serving, they also show Princess Elizabeth operating a truck with her vehicle instructor Major Violet Wellesley.
The late Queen's driving license also went under the hammer along with these items.
The War Department Driving Permit No.B1232 is named 'H.R.H. Princess Elizabeth' and on it, the royal was described as having blue eyes, standing at 5ft 4 inches high and having light brown hair.
It is dated March 1, 1945, and signed by the then-princess in ink, simply as 'Elizabeth'.
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